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School backed by Disney- a magical experience?

school backed by Disney- a magical experience?

23 July 2012

The Government has announced that 15 new “studio schools” will open in 2013/14.

Studio schools cater for students aged 14 to 19 and are backed by businesses. Existing business sponsors include Disney, Aston Villa FC and Sony.

The schools focus on work experience and vocational qualifications as well as core academics, often focussed towards a particular industry such as “hospitality and catering”.

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, opposed this scheme arguing that studio schools deny students the opportunity to benefit from a broad and balanced academic curriculum. There is an argument that students may gain qualifications limited to an area that ultimately, they may decide, is not for them.

However, there is no doubt that a good range of work experience is a valuable asset and in the current economic climate where levels of youth unemployment are high a curriculum which develops student’s employability can only be a good thing and ultimately will benefit the students in their future careers.

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Lauren Webb

Senior Associate

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